Dean Smith: Mat sets tone for Walsall battlers

Boss Dean Smith today saluted Mat Sadler and insisted his other Walsall charges must learn from the left-back's know-how.

The defender – who turns 27 tomorrow – has been the Saddlers' most consistent performer in their battle against the League One drop this term.

And Smith said the ex-Blues ace, who signed on a free last summer after being binned by Watford, is his model professional.

"The other lads should be looking at him and learn from him," he said. "He's an old school pro where he wants to play every minute of every game and I was the same. He doesn't like missing football games.

"He thinks a lot about his game and a lot about football. He's a really good professional who wants to get better all the time – and that's a lad who has played in the Premier League.

"It's always good to be thinking about your game and where you can improve and what you can do better.

"He's been a real plus for us and the pleasing thing is he wants to learn, get better and improve all the time."

Meanwhile, Walsall reserves host Sheffield United on Monday (2pm) in a rearranged clash.